Fun Facts Friday: Alfonso Reyes

Alfonso Reyes (17 May, 1889 – 27 December, 1959) was a Mexican writer and diplomat. He is considered to be one of the greatest Spanish language authors.

Books by Alfonso Reyes*

Fun Facts about Alfonso Reyes:

1. Alfonso Reyes Ochoa was born in Monterrey, Nuevo León, the ninth of twelve children. His father, General Bernardo Reyes Ogazón, was Governor of the State of Nuevo León and the Secretary of War and Navy of President Porfirio Díaz. His mother, Aurelia Ochoa-Garibay y Sapién, belonged to a prominent family of Jalisco, direct descendants of Conquistador Diego de Ochoa-Garibay.
2. Alfonso Reyes studied at various institutions finally settling to study law. He graduated in 1013 with a law degree. That same year, his father died when participating in a Coup d’état against the current Mexican president, Francisco I. Madero.
3. Even as a student, Mr. Reyes was known to be a scholar of some originality with an elegant style.
4. Reyes served in the Mexican diplomatic service in France, Spain, Argentina, and Brazil.
5. Alfonso Reyes also represented Mexico in cultural events and international conferences.
6. While abroad he published poems, prose, and essays.
7. Eminent Argentinian author Jorge Luis Borges considered Alfonso Reyes to be the greatest prose writer in Spanish in any era.
8. The time the author spent in Spain, between 1914 to 1924, is considered to be his best creative period. This is when he mastered writing literature.
9. After retiring from diplomacy, Mr. Reyes dedicated himself to writing and teaching in Mexico.
10. Alfonso Reyes died in his beloved Mexico. He is buried in the Rotunda of Illustrious Men (Rotonda de Hombres Ilustres) in Mexico City

Books by Alfonso Reyes*

Zohar – Man of la Book
*Ama­zon links point to an affil­i­ate account, the money is usually spent on books

Sources:

Alfonso Reyes | encyclopedia.com

Alfonso Reyes | Wikipedia

Alfonso Reyes: Mexican writer | Britannica

Biografia de Alfonso Reyes | Biografias y Vidas